NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires all health care records and other individually identifiable health information (protected health information) used or disclosed to us in any form, whether electronically, on paper, or orally, be kept confidential. This federal law gives you, the patient, significant new rights to understand and control how your health information is used. HIPAA provides penalties for covered entities that misuse personal health information. As required by HIPAA, we have prepared this explanation of how we are required to maintain the privacy of your health information and how we may use and disclose your health information.

Without specific written authorization, we are permitted to use and disclose your health care records for the purposes of treatment, payment and health care operations.

Treatment means providing, coordinating, or managing health care and related services by one or more health care providers. Examples of treatment would include crowns, fillings, teeth cleaning services, etc.

Payment means such activities as obtaining reimbursement for services, confirming coverage, billing or collection activities, and utilization review. An example of this would be billing your dental plan for your dental services.

Health Care Operations include the business aspects of running our practice, such as conducting quality assessment and improvement activities, auditing functions, cost-management analysis, and customer service. An example would include a periodic assessment of our documentation protocols, etc.

In addition, your confidential information may be used to remind you of an appointment (by phone or mail) or provide you with information about treatment options or other health-related services including release of information to friends and family members that are directly involved in your care or who assist in taking care of you. We will use and disclose your protected when we are required to do so by federal, state or local law. We may disclose your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION to public health authorities that are authorized by law to collect information, to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law included but not limited to: response to a court or administrative order, if you are involved in a lawsuit or similar proceeding, response to a discovery request, subpoena, or other lawful process by another party involved in the dispute, but only if we have made an effort to inform you of the request or to obtain an order protecting the information the party has requested. We will release your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION if requested by a law enforcement official for any circumstance required by law. We may release your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION to a medical examiner or coroner to identify a deceased individual or to identify the cause of death. If necessary, we also may release information in order for funeral directors to perform their jobs. We may release PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION to organizations that handle organ, eye or tissue procurement or transplantation, including organ donation banks, as necessary to facilitate organ or tissue donation and transplantation if you are an organ donor. We may use and disclose your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION when necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. Under these circumstances, we will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat. We may disclose your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION if you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities. We may disclose your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION to federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law. We may disclose PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION to federal officials in order to protect the President, other officials or foreign heads of state, or to conduct investigations. We may disclose your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION to correctional institutions or law enforcement HIPAA/@Notice of Privacy Practices.doc officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official. Disclosure for these purposes would be necessary: (a) for the institution to provide health care services to you, (b) for the safety and security of the institution, and/or (c) to protect your health and safety or the health and safety of other individuals or the public. We may release your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION for workers’ compensation and similar programs.

Any other uses and disclosures will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke such authorization in writing and we are required to honor and abide by that written request, except to the extent that we have already taken actions relying on your authorization.

You have certain rights in regards to your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION, which you can exercise by presenting a written request to our Privacy Officer at the practice address listed below:

The right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION, including those related to disclosures to family members, other relatives, close personal friends, or any other person identified by you. We are, however, not required to agree to a requested restriction. If we do agree to a restriction, we must abide by it unless you agree in writing to remove it.

The right to request to receive confidential communications of PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION from us by alternative means or at alternative locations.

The right to access, inspect and copy your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION.

The right to request an amendment to your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION.

The right to receive an accounting of disclosures of PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION outside of treatment, payment and health care operations.

The right to obtain a paper copy of this notice from us upon request.

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION.

We are required to abide by the terms of the Notice of Privacy Practices currently in effect. We reserve the right to change the terms of our Notice of Privacy Practices and to make the new notice provisions effective for all PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION that we maintain. Revisions to our Notice of Privacy Practices will be posted on the effective date and you may request a written copy of the Revised Notice from this office.

You have the right to file a formal, written complaint with us at the address below, or with the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, in the event you feel your privacy rights have been violated. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

For more information about HIPAA or to file a complaint:
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Office of Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
877-696-6775 (toll-free)

CareCredit

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.

Doctor Ledger and his assistant Megan Bartos are so wonderful! Caring and compassionate, unfailingly upbeat and friendly with the training and wisdom necessary to get you on your way to wellness. They are straight forward and honest about what needs to be done without any censure or judgment. They just want you to feel better and be confident about your teeth. I am grateful that I found them!

I had a wonderful experience at this office! The staff is amazing! The dental assistant, Yamaris was so empathetic to my anxiety of dental work and then I met Dentist Jason Ledger and felt completely at ease. I definitely felt like I was in good care with the two of them. This is by far my best dental experience. I highly recommend this office and it’s staff. Incredible, caring people!

Walding and Associates are amazing!!! Danielle in the front and Nikki in the back were so amazing! They were very welcoming, and helpful in making sure my son has the best dental expierence today! Danielle made sure all of our paperwork was good to go and Nikmi made sure our son felt comfortable and was taken care of during his visit. I highly reccomend Walding and Associates! Keep up the great wo…

Dr. Ledger and his assistant Yamans (sp?) were super!! My husband had a tooth pulled there that was hurting him, he has a lot of medical issues and Dr. Ledger kept this all in mind as he pulled it. They were polite, funny, timely and professional. I definitely would recommend to everyone.

I was apprehensive about taking my 91 year old Father to the dentist, but he really needed dental work. After multiple visits, I can truly attest to the fact that the staff at Dental Associates of Florida-Winter Haven are fantastic! Dr. Claassen and his entire staff have treated my Dad with patience, kindness and caring! Definitely five stars!!

Very friendly, efficient, helpful and thorough dental practice. More interested in a perfect outcome than one that would not work in the long run. Great recommendations for the right procedures and patient’s dental health!

I have been going to this office for a little over a year and have had a number of procedures. It is a very happy office. Everyone is upbeat even when I am not the easiest patient to deal with! I have received excellent care. I would recommend them to anyone and I have thanked the person who recommended them to me.

Strongly recommend this Dentist office. The staff were very welcoming, friendly, and thoroughly efficient. My Hygienist, Jacque, gets a 5 star from me, and is highly recommended! Very pleasant experience.

Got an appt the day after I cracked my tooth. Everyone was WONDERFUL! And I’m a baby about the dentist, but I felt absolutely no pain whatsoever! Definitely worth the 45 minute drive! So happy to find a great dentist! Highly recommend ( especially if you’re scared of dentists like me!)

Dr. Fawcett and his staff are courteous, honest and helpful. They work hard to give you a beautiful, clean and healthy smile while making you feel at ease the entire time. I’m so happy that I was recommended to this office and am very happy with the work I have received.

Everyone in this office is amazing. Compassion here cannot be matched. I had an emergency where I had to get in today and they fit me in immediately. The staff is considerate, sweet, accommodating, and Dr. Fawcett is awesome at his work. I highly recommend Dr. Fawcett and his staff for all of your dental needs!

Dr fawcett and his staff are amazing. I brought my son in for an emergency he was seen right away. Everything was explained and my son was calm and relaxed the whole time. We felt like we’ve been seeing him for years. Excellent!!!

Friendly, Professional, and Affordable! Best experience at a dental appointment I’ve ever had. Their hygienist, Eric, explained everything thoroughly and put me at ease. Best of all, I’m loving my smile. Even if you’ve neglected for a while, they will take care of you and give great tips without scolding. Book now, you won’t be sorry!

Every visit has been extremely pleasant. I actually look forward to going to the dentist. I would recommend this dental facility to anyone looking for an excellent oral hygiene experience. Thanks for taking care of my needs in a friendly and professional manner!!! Most of all, keep smiling!!!

I have been a patient for some years now, and the service is super! From Loren at the front desk, to my Dental Hygienist: Valerie, to Dr. Mueller, I have had satisfying services. I would recommend Dental Associates to anyone!

Can we say my husband and I love Vickie Ashe, my long time dental hygienist, she is the best! Patient and effective, explains everything clearly. You have a wonderful and dedicated employee in her!!! To be honest, we still come mostly for her! :) Terry and Jessica have always been so patient and helpful too!

I had a very pleasant experience in the office today Everyone was very friendly which made me comfortable. Bonnie and I had a good visit while she was cleaning my teeth. Dr Merrill was even able to replace a crown today which made me happy. All in all, I am glad I came here and will definitely return when I need more dental work. Office staff was great also. Happy smiles. Thank you all very much!!

This office has very friendly staff. Nikki works with my kids and is the best we could ask for. My son is autistic but she takes her time with him and takes into consideration his sensory issues. I personally have seen several different people within the office for my own dental needs, but no matter whom I come in contact with I have always had a pleasant experience. Thank you Dr. Walding for hiri…

My son is 9, & has been to a pediatric dentist since the age of 3. Some how over the years he has grown into an extremely high anxiety & nearly refuses what the hygenist/dentist wants to do. Even xrays…. Til DANIELLE!! She just had some sort of way of making him do what he had to do & I would refer her to ANYONE w/issues of anxiety & fear. Love, Love, Love her!!! He came out…

I love this dental practice. Everyone is very nice and the wait times are decent. The doctor is awesome. He’s nice and comfortable to be around. I usually don’t like seeing the dentist but they make you feel at ease.

Dr. Fawcett is a great dentist, professional, informative and not bad to look at. Seriously, he and his staff are top of the line and very friendly. Office is clean, lighted well, pleasing to the eye. Nobody really likes going to the dentist, but if you gotta go, this is where I’d go. And my family and I do.

I had a wonderful experience at this office! The staff is amazing! The dental assistant, Yamaris was so empathetic to my anxiety of dental work and then I met Dentist Jason Ledger and felt completely at ease. I definitely felt like I was in good care with the two of them. This is by far my best dental experience. I highly recommend this office and it’s staff. Incredible, caring people!

I have nothing but lovely things to say about Dr. Williams and the staff. They are always on top of scheduling and reminders. Very professional and caring towards me and my concerns. Feels like family!

One of the best dental offices I’ve ever had the pleasure of going too. Their staff are kind non judgmental and professional. They never try to up sale you with unnecessary work, as a matter of fact they go out of their way to save you money all the while maintaining a very high quality of care. A special mention for Lauren in the front office and Kayla in the exam rooms. They both truly care ab…

Dr. Relkin is highly competent, personable, and was easy to discuss my dental situation with. She gave me all of my options and explained the procedures, answering my questions with answers I could understand. The staff are friendly and my dental assistant (I’m not sure of her name) was helpful in reviewing my dental procedures and choices. She also answered questions that were posed to her. I f…

Dr. Carter and his assistant Renee put me at ease. I’ve had bad experiences when I was younger and had a lot of anxiety before my visit. Both were very professional in explaining what would take place and assuring that they would try to make it as painless as possible. I now look forward to my next visit knowing that I’m in great hands!

Dr. Carter and his assistant Renee put me at ease. I’ve had bad experiences when I was younger and had a lot of anxiety before my visit. Both were very professional in explaining what would take place and assuring that they would try to make it as painless as possible. I now look forward to my next visit knowing that I’m in great hands!

Orietta, my hygienist, has an amazing work ethic! Two facets of this are obvious: her commitment to excellence in the technical aspects her work, and with her commitment to her patients’ health, comfort, and well-being. Coming to the dentist’s office is a pleasure because of her.

Fabulous dental office. Very professional, most friendly, most modern equipment and best customer service ever! Asha, Marieka,Vickie and Dr. Relkin made my chk up, crown fitting, cleaning and filling the best dental experience ever. Terrie and Jessica’s welcoming smile made my day. Been to a few dental offices, this one by far the best. Nick.

The staff was very friendly, helpful, and enjoyable! They made me feel very comfortable and calm the entire time. They explained everything they were doing, checked up on me often and made such a pleasant experience out of such an otherwise very unenjoyable endeavor.

Book an appointment today!

The above-listed practice complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Notice of Nondiscrimination.